This is me - a 76kg woman, post-30, on a brave mission for the dream size 10.
This is my first entry of what is to become a 12-week inspirational journey to weight loss and its challenges.
My goal is to not only lose weight but to help other women get started on
their journey by sharing my experiences and proving it can be done.
The gym's (Bodyzone) motto is very pertinent - balance, commitment, results - as I will have to balance my time, university, family and friends, and give 100 per cent commitment to the programme of exercise and nutrition.
The results will show themselves when I stand in my bikini in 12 weeks.
I will be writing the cold, hard truth about the trials and tribulations of this momentous goal I have set myself.
What does work for weight loss? Is it really the easy equation of what food we eat and the exercise we do to burn it off?
I have been given a diary from Bodyzone where I will be writing honestly every minuscule amount of food that touches my mouth and the amount of exercise I participate in daily.
Sadly, vacuuming and gardening do not count, so now the hard yards begin with cardio, weights, circuit training - and not to mention the weekly catch up with trainer Brett to make sure I am on the right track.
I have to drink about three litres of water a day, so hello toilet and no more skipping meals, as I will be eating six times a day. Who would have thought eating more means weighing less?
I am excited about this and also scared to be sharing this part of my life.
Here is the first chapter, which starts by feeling naked standing in front of the photographer exposing me as I am - but I guess we all have to start somewhere.
Related story: Vanessa's public 12-week weight loss programme
